Book Review: Frost
Media Type: Ebook
Title: Frost
*Series: The Frost Chronicles #1
Author: Kate Avery Ellison
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: Paperback; 194
Release Date: April 18, 2012
Source: Author
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Content Screening: Mild Violence
HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers looking for a creepy, but intriguing new type of read.
Add it on: Goodreads / Amazon / B&N
In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person could end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing cold and threat of monster attacks or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and failure just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest—a young stranger named Gabe—Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.
She saves his life.
Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.
But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle the farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but every move she makes puts her in more danger.
Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?
Honestly? The synopsis pretty much sums it up. What it can’t show you though, is how addictive Frost is as a read. I went into this story with absolutely no expectations. I just wanted to be entertained. Mission accomplished Ms. Ellison. Mission accomplished.
First off I have to praise the world that Kate Avery Ellison builds in this story. The Frost is an unforgiving world. One that mixes stunning beauty with utter terror. From the very first few pages I felt the palpable feelings that Lia was. To live in a world where one wrong choice will cause your destruction is amazingly creepy. I felt for Lia, even before I knew that much about her.
However once I did get to know her better it just cemented my feelings! Here is a girl who has lost her parents, lives in a icy world, and yet still manages to keep the remainder of her family together. Lia isn’t a shrinking violet. She doesn’t let others boss her around. Lia is a character who gets things done. We need more of those! In fact, even when Gabe came into the picture, she constantly kept her family at the forefront of her thoughts. I loved her for that.
I can sum up for you the very small reasons that I only gave this book 4 stars. One I know for sure has to do with the fact that this is the first book, and that is the lack of closure I felt about some of the events in the book. I so wanted to know more about the monsters and about the rest of the civilizations that lived around Lia. The other was the relative insta-love between Lia and Gabe, but in all honesty I was pretty ready to forgive that right away. They are adorable. It’s the truth.
So long story short, I really enjoyed this read! It has a little bit of everything, and Lia’s character will always keep you guessing as to what is coming next. Frost is well worth your time! Especially if you are a reader who loves strong characters and gorgeous world building. If you’re ready for a new read, I say give this one a shot. Just be prepared to read well into the night.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
